RLWC2017 Semi-final

Sio Suia Taukeiaho credits their success to the overwhelming support from their fans.

“Them just signing their songs gave us goose bumps. That's probably one of the reasons why a few of the boys left other countries to come play for Tonga because we know the fans will always turn up.”

It was a jovial Tonga who turned out to training on Mount Smart number three, with the boys from the Pacific believing that they can claim another tier-one nation scalp.

In an end-to-end affair in which both sides threw the ball around, Tonga's power up front eventually took them over the line.

While Tonga dominated the opening stages to pile on three tries in 22 minutes, Lebanon never gave up.

They remained within one try for much of the match - including an extended scoreless period in the second half - and made things interesting late on with a try-of-the-tournament contender from Abbas Miski.

Lebanon had three tries disallowed as they pushed to clinch a winner.